What is the method of administering medication by injecting it into a muscle called?

The method of administering medication by injecting it directly into a muscle is known as intramuscular administration. This route allows for the absorption of the medication through the muscle tissue, which typically has a good blood supply, facilitating faster and more efficient delivery of the drug into the systemic circulation compared to some other methods.

Intramuscular injections are commonly used when a rapid onset of action is required, and they can deliver a larger volume of medication compared to subcutaneous routes. This makes them particularly useful for vaccines, hormones, and certain medications that might irritate other administration sites.

In this context, intramuscular injections are distinct from the other listed methods. Intravenous administration involves injecting medication directly into the bloodstream, thus bypassing muscle tissue entirely. The subcutaneous route refers to injections given into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, which typically allows for slower absorption than intramuscular injections. Enteral administration involves delivering medication through the gastrointestinal tract, such as by mouth or rectally, which is a completely different route from injections.

Therefore, intramuscular is the appropriate term for this method of drug administration, reflecting its specific physiological mechanism and the intended therapeutic effects.